Learn About Our Horseback Rides

Got a question about our rides or activities? Need directions to the Ranch or what to wear on horseback? It's all right here ~ answers to many of the questions our guests have each season.

Of course we're happy to answer any horseback, cookout, or even rafting questions you have ~ simply give us a call at (406) 848-7510, or contact us online. We're here to help you plan your visit.

---

Q. How old do children need to be to go horseback riding?

A. For their safety, children must be at least 7 years old to participate in horseback rides. Kids are welcome to join us for the Cowboy Cookout dinners ~ where we cook up the kind of things kids like.

Q. Where is Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch?

A. Most of our horseback trips start at the ranch in Jardine, Montana ~ about 6 miles from your check-in at the Flying Pig Camp Store in Gardiner. The gravel roads are well-maintained by Park County and are suitable for automobiles. The drive takes about 20 minutes. We'll provide you a map and directions - as well as answer any local travel questions - when you check in for your ride.

Q. Are drinks or snacks available at the Ranch?

A. Water is available at Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch and you are welcome to bring additional drinks and snacks to enjoy before and after your ride (or to keep the kids happy).

The full-day horseback ride includes a Cowboy saddlebag lunch, and everyone is welcome for dinner at the evening Cowboy Cookout at the ranch.

Q. Will I get saddle sore from riding?

A. Ladies, ever heard the saying "wrangler butts drive me nuts"? Well, in addition to your enjoyment, there is a practical reason Cowboys wear well-fitted jeans. Baggy clothes can cause chaffing, as well as get caught in stirrups and the saddle.

Wear well-fitted long pants and long-sleeved shirts

Your saddles will be of top quality, and your horse will be saddled with an appropriate size for you

Let your guide know if your saddle is uncomfortable when you saddle up

Stirrups will be sized for you when you saddle up

Instructions will be provided for the correct position and posture for riding

Clothing tip for the men: Consider ditching those beloved boxers for your ride and pull on a pair of tighty whities to prevent new-cowboy chaffing.

Q. How rushed will be be if we raft and horseback the same day?

A. For an active group or family, the "paddle & saddle" trip makes for a full, but fun day. You'll have some time between trips to catch your breath and get a bite to eat and drink. There are a number of near-by eateries that serve fresh deli sandwiches and cooked selections.

Check-in at the Flying Pig Camp Store 1-hour prior to all departure times for instructions and directions

All trips are planned for your enjoyment and include appropriate stops for photos, sightseeing and relaxing

The schedule includes plenty of time for you to drive to the ranch for horseback departures

Flying Pig will shuttle you back to the Camp Store at the end of your rafting adventure with plenty of time to get drive to the ranch for horseback riding or the Cowboy Cookout

If you opt to "paddle" first, you'll depart on the 9am river trip, and check in for the afternoon half-day horseback ride at 2pm. For those in the "saddle" first, you'll start on the 9am horseback ride, then hit the river at 3pm. Everyone should be done just in time for the Cowboy Cookout at the ranch!

Learn more about Riding & Rafting Trips »

Q. What wildlife is commonly spotted on a horseback ride?

A. Northern Yellowstone is prime habitat for a variety of western wildlife. Elk, bison, deer and antelope are common and are spotted regularly. Moose and big horn sheep are also common, but are harder to spot. Bear, wolf, fox and coyote generally retreat around human activity. The occasional sighting is a treat.

Your local Montana guides will lead you through areas most frequented by wildlife

Don't forget to look-up! Birds are plentiful and include eagles, falcons and swan

Binoculars can be cumbersome to carry on horseback, ask about the best way to carry them if you bring them along

Remember your camera. You will be in spectacular back country many visitors never see

Full-day and evening rides tend to spot the most local wildlife. Evening rides are scheduled when animals are more active in the summer. Full-day rides explore farther from populated areas and into the Montana backcountry, so there's a tendency to view more big game, bison and other local wildlife.

---

Please let us know how this website could have been more helpful to you in planning your visit to the Gardiner / North Yellowstone area. Contact us online and your questions may even be added to this page.